THERE’S no need to be “shellfish” at the Falmouth Oyster Festival, with enough talks, tunes and tastings for thousands to have a “shucking” good time.

Kick-starting tonight (Wednesday) with a tickets-only Gourmet Night at the St Michaels Hotel and Spa the festival gets into full swing tomorrow at the Grand Opening Bash.

Highlights at the launch include an evening with comedian Johnny Cowling from 7pm, in aid of the Precious Lives Appeal and free oyster tasting earlier on.

Friday sees the highly anticipated Schools’ Town Oyster Parade while television presenter Monty Halls will appear on Saturday evening telling tantalising tales of travels, experiences and adventures.

Now in its 16th year, the festival offers a flavoursome programme of food and a range of musical acts including the sounds of the sea shanty, jazz, folk and soul over four days from October 11-14.

At its heart lies the rich history and heritage of the oyster fishermen who for decades have derived their livelihood from this traditional trade. Prohibited from using engines in order to preserve the natural ecology of the riverbed, Falmouth is now the only oyster fishery in Europe where original methods are still used.

Many of the Falmouth Working Boats used to collect the molluscs were built at boatyards around the Fal and can trace their history back as far as 1860. Throughout the festival the marquee on Events Square will host cookery demonstrations and live music. Over the weekend, The Moor also offers acoustic sounds and local produce with a food and folk event funded by Falmouth BID.

Tensions are sure to run high at the oyster shucking competition on Saturday, before the festival winds-up on Sunday with a Falmouth Working Boat Race, prize giving and live music from The Cornish Wurzells.

For more information and a full programme of events visit www.falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk.